Good nutrition

Good nutrition is a major factor in the overall health of an individual (Eliopolis, 2012). A proper diet helps provide energy to the body to fight infection, improve sleep, balance hormones, and help the body better handle stress (Eliopolis, 2010; Sizer & Whitney, 2012). Many diseases can be prevented or reversed with simple dietary changes. For example, reducing sodium and sugar can prevent or reverse heart disease, stroke and diabetes (Sizer & Whitney, 2012). These conditions can definitely be caused or exacerbated by an improper diet. In fact, dietary and lifestyle changes are often more effective than prescription medications in reducing blood pressure. The top three leading causes of death in the United States are heart disease, cancer, and stroke (Sizer & Whitney, 2012). The risk of all of these diseases can be reduced by making such changes.

Most people think of third world countries when we hear the word malnutrition. We certainly don’t think of the United States, where obesity has become a major problem. Yet many people who do not appear to be malnourished in fact are. This can be caused by the desire to lose weight, when calorie cutting becomes more important than obtaining the right nutrients from food. It can also be caused by eating the wrong foods, or not eating the right foods, even if the calories consumed well exceed what an individual needs. Processed food has made it quick and easy to grab food on the go, which is great for our busy lifestyle. How convenient to just open a box or can and have a meal ready in minutes! However, this “food” is full of toxins such as genetically modified ingredients, pesticides, growth hormones, chemical additives, and irradiated ingredients (Koopson & Young, 2009). It is also rich in refined flour and sugar that is highly processed and stripped of nutrients (Koopson & Young, 2009).

The lack of proper nutrients puts one at risk for immune deficiency, disease, obesity, and many other problems (Sizer & Whitney, 2012). Many chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, are caused directly or exacerbated by a poor diet.

References

Eliopoulos, C.  (2010).  Invitation to holistic health: A guide to living a balanced life.  (2nd ed.).  Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett. 

Koopson & Young, (2009). Integrative Health: A holistic approach for health Professional. (1 ed.). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.

Sizer, F. & Whitney, E. (2012).  Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies, MyPlate Update (12th ed.).  Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.